Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: iSector
Oregon’s rural communities face long standing challenges in seizing economic opportunities and maintaining the capacity to manage critical public services. Despite the availability of unprecedented federal, state, and philanthropic resources, many rural cities and counties lack the infrastructure and expertise to navigate complex funding systems and implement vital projects, such as water and wastewater improvements or affordable housing initiatives.
The 2024 NW Rural Investment Strategy Summit, part of a broader initiative to address these gaps, brought together over 450 participants from across Oregon, including leaders from philanthropy, financial institutions, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies. The summit’s goal was clear: to develop a strategy ensuring that historic federal investments not only flow into rural Oregon but also catalyze sustainable, long-term growth in these underserved areas.
One of the key outcomes of this ongoing effort is the creation of the Oregon Rural Investment Strategy Partnership. This partnership, a collaboration between iSector, USDA Rural Development, the Association of Oregon Counties, League of Oregon Cities, foundations, and representatives of Oregon Business, aims to design a co-investment framework that aligns public, private, and philanthropic resources for rural communities. The goal is to enhance local capacity, provide technical assistance, and ensure that communities can access and manage the resources they need to thrive.
A pivotal next step that is under construction is the development of a hub or center for technical expertise and resource coordination. Working with organizations that serve rural Oregon, this could support rural cities and counties by providing access to project managers, public works, and planning professionals to assist with essential infrastructure and community development needs. To further accelerate on-the-ground action, it could also include a Community Leverage Fund which could enable cities and counties to offer incentives for collaborative, multi-sector projects.
The Summit and these ongoing initiatives underscore the importance of rural communities to Oregon’s economic future. By building the capacity of these regions and fostering collaboration, we can help them seize opportunities that will sustain their resilience and growth for years to come.
To learn more visit https://isector.org/partnerships/rural-investment-strategy-risp/.
For any questions or to connect with us, please email rural@isector.org.